A Melrose-based contractor is set to become the first in Scotland to offer crop spraying services with a drone, following a funding boost from the British Business Bank.
James Braid, founder of Sky-Pin Drones Ltd, has flown drones since 2017 and launched his business in 2019 to offer commercial aerial drone services, including multispectral plant health mapping, photogrammetry and aerial mapping surveys.
In response to the demand for precision agricultural services, he expanded into spraying and spreading, seeding for conservation projects, greenhouse shading and cleaning, and solar panel inspections.
Having passed the CAA/Lantra Approved Remote Pilot & Drones Spraying Certification – achieved in collaboration with AutoSpray Ltd, Precision Spray, and Harper Adams University in Newport – he is now the only person in Scotland qualified to offer agricultural spraying and spreading.
Using a £48,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, managed by DSL Business Finance, he has purchased a 110kg drone, with a wingspan of more than 2m and a maximum application rate of 150kg/min.
These new services will be available for customers by summer 2025.
He said: “Sustainability is playing an increasingly vital role in modern farming, and I’ve noticed a growing shift among my clients toward adopting more biodiverse products and practices. The drone technology I use is specifically designed to enhance sustainability by reducing chemical usage and promoting environmentally friendly approaches. It has already made a positive impact on ecological projects such as peatland restoration and habitat management.
“Running a small business with limited capital can be challenging, so I’m grateful to the teams at the British Business Bank and DSL Business Finance for their support in helping to bring this technology to Scotland for the first time.
“Currently, I’m managing the business independently, but I’m excited about the prospect of expanding the team as more people discover the advantages of drones in agriculture and land management. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and showcasing how this innovative technology can unlock new opportunities and drive progress in these sectors.”